Gomchen Lamrim (2015-18)

Teachings on the Gomchen Lamrim, also entitled The Ascertainer of the Door to Practice Arisen from the Stages of the Path to Awakening: The Essence of All Eloquent Speech, by the great meditator Ngawang Drakpa of Dagpo.

The nonvirtues of stealing and sexual misconduct

The four branches of a complete karma for stealing and sexual misconduct. Looking at sexual misconduct in terms of contemporary western culture.

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The nonvirtues of lying and divisive speech

The four branches of a complete karma for lying and divisive speech. Why creating a division in the sangha or between student and teacher are…

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The nonvirtues of harsh speech and idle talk

The four branches of a complete karma for harsh speech and idle talk. The many ways we engage in idle talk and how it interferes…

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The mental nonvirtues: coveting, malice and wro...

The four branches of coveting, malice and wrong views that make them a complete karmic pathway. Why they are called karmic pathways of action and…

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The factors that influence karmic weight

A look at the various factors that make virtuous and nonvirtuous karma heavier or lighter. The relationship between intention karma and intended karma.

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What makes karma powerful

Reflecting on four ways in which karma is powerful helps us to make our virtuous actions strong and abandon nonvirtues.

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The effects of negative karma

Reflecting on the karmic results of each of the 10 nonvirtues inspires us to abstain from them, purify and work with our mind when we…

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Virtuous karma and its effects

How virtuous karma is created and the types of results it brings. An explanation of polluted and unpolluted karma, and throwing and completing karma.

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The permutations of karma

What makes karma certain or uncertain to be experienced. The factors that influence when karma will ripen—this, next, or future lives.

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Gomchen Lamrim review: Developing conviction in...

A review of the four general principles of karma and the four parts of a complete karmic action.

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Contemplating specific aspects of karma

The naturally negative actions and those proscribed by the Buddha. The eight favorable conditions for practice and their causes.

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Gomchen Lamrim review: Reliance on a spiritual ...

A review of the key points of relying on a spiritual mentor including a guided meditation on the benefits of relying on a spiritual mentor.

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